[3] It takes the form of a white, odorless, and sweet-tasting flaky powder that is hygroscopic.

Commercial material used in foods is produced industrially by a glycerolysis reaction between triglycerides (from either vegetable or animal fats) and glycerol.

[4] Glycerol monostearate occurs naturally in the body as a product of the breakdown of fats by pancreatic lipase.

[5] GMS is largely used in baking preparations to add "body" to the food.

It can also be used as an additive in plastic, where GMS works as an antistatic and antifogging agent.